actually bmw did it with their 1987/88 750il

strelnik hit the nail on the head with Juergen Schrempp

i remember when the 190/300e debuted, just shook my head at all the plastic and cheapness compared to past models

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1989 300ce smoke silver / brazil, in a constant state of flux ~~~

He is right my 99 w140 is made cheaper than my w126.Fabric headliners versus tough w126 vinyl

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt

I felt similarly about the 124 at it's introduction, but once I sat in the drivers seat I was impressed. All the plasticy stuff makes trim items MUCH more difficult to service than the 123 cars.

Since I do all my own work, I find the 123 cars superior to the 124 when the wrenches have to come out. Sitting in the drivers seat is another story. Driving a 124 is a vastly more satisfying experience than driving a 123.